Proposal for Improvements & Supplementary Cycle · PDF fileDRAFT 13.05.14 Union Canal Towpath - Edinburgh Proposal for Improvements & Supplementary Cycle Routes March 2014 UrbanPioneers

DRAFT 13.05.14

Union Canal Towpath - EdinburghProposal for Improvements & Supplementary Cycle RoutesMarch 2014

UrbanPioneers Ltd116 Redhall DriveEdinburghEH14 2DT07910049357mail@urbanpioneers.co.ukwww.urbanpioneers.co.ukregistered in Scotland 428095

Linlithgow

Broxburn

Winchburgh

Whitecross

Ratho

Edinburgh

The Union Canal

Sighthill

Brightons

Hallglen

FalkirkFalkirkWheel

DRAFT 13.05.14

1.0 I n t r o d u c t i o n

2.0 C o n t e x t

3.0 A c c e s s

4.0 S u r f a c e

5.0 C o n f l i c t s

5.1 S u p p l e m e n t a r y c y c l i n g r o u t e A

5.1.1 E x i s t i n g c o n d i t i o n - r o u t e A

5.2 S u p p l e m e n t a r y c y c l i n g r o u t e B

5.2.1 E x i s t i n g c o n d i t i o n - r o u t e B

Contents

DRAFT 13.05.14

2.0 C o n t e x t

In December 2011 City of Edinburgh Council published ‘The Edinburgh Union Canal Strategy’. It outlines four opportunities ‘access’, ‘waterway, development and environment’, ‘community, recreation and tourism’ and ‘infrastructure, drainage and climate change’ as well as the creation of seven ‘canal hubs’. The strategy is accompanied with a ‘Delivery Plan’ which sets out policies and proposals to make the Union Canal a successful and recognisable place.

Since then outlined projects have been delivered such as the surface upgrading of the Canal towpath, between the canal basin and Ratho, in 2011, solar lighting (between Canal basin and Longstone) and improvements of several access points. These improvements have been a huge success with pedestrians and cyclists. Especially along the Edinburgh section of the towpath the use has increased significantly as a commuter route as well as for leisure activities. However, at the same time these growing numbers of both groups (pedestrians and cyclists) have brought some conflicts at times.

Over the years Spokes has taken several initiatives to help foster thought and consideration by all path users. In October 2012 Spokes has produced a leaflet on the use of shared paths such as the canal towpath (downloadable at http://www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/documents/advice/considerate-cycling/) and Spokes also participated in drawing up the Towpath Code of Conduct which was launched in July 2013.

This document focuses on the Union Canal towpath along the Edinburgh section of the canal outlining further improvements for access and surfacing. It further outlines supplementary/alternative cycle routes in order to minimise conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists.

Slateford Station

Kingsknowe Station

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Fountainbridge

Polwarth

Lothian Rd

Viewforth

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The Union Canal

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DRAFT 13.05.14

Slateford Station

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Wester H

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Calder Rd

WesterHailes

Longstone

Kingsknowe

Craiglockhart

Merchiston

Bruntsfield

Fountainbridge

Polwarth

Lothian Rd

Viewforth

Gilmore

Park

Telfer

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The Union Canal

towpath

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3.0 A c c e s s

Access points to the Union Canal are important for the use of the towpath as a walking and cycling commuter route, informal leisure activities and accessing the waterspace.

Access points should:

• Be at regular intervals for good permeability and safety (supervision)

• Be accessible via a ramp for wheelchairs, prams and bikes if site conditions allow

• Include a channel for bikes if only steps can be provided

The following 4 access points have been identifi ed according to the above mentioned criteria. They are the ones with most needed improvement.

DRAFT 13.05.14

1 Viewforth

Existing Situation:

• Flight of stairs to eastern side of Viewforth leading down to canal towpath

• At the slope of the steps a desire line has been created by cyclists and pedestrians

• Flight of stairs to the western side of Viewforth have been fenced off (as part of development site) and are overgrown

Proposals:

• Ramps to both sides of Viewforth for accessible use of pedestrians and cyclists

DRAFT 13.05.14

2 Yeaman Place

Existing Situation:

• Currently no access from Yeaman Place down to towpath which results in a long stretch without access to the towpath

Proposals:

• As space is restricted it should be investigated if a flight of steps can be installed at this location

• A channel for bikes should be installed alongside the steps to facilitate walking a bicycle up or down

DRAFT 13.05.14

3 Allan Park Road

Existing Situation:

• Flight of stairs to both side of pedestrian / cycle path down to towpath

Proposals:

• Flight of stairs on western side to be replaced with a ramp for accessible access

DRAFT 13.05.14

4 Slateford Road

Existing Situation:

• Existing stairs from towpath down to Slateford Road

Proposals:

• A channel for bikes should be installed alongside the steps to facilitate walking a bicycle up or down

DRAFT 13.05.14

Slateford Station

Kingsknowe Station



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Wester H

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Calder Rd

WesterHailes

Longstone

Kingsknowe

Craiglockhart

Merchiston

Bruntsfield

Fountainbridge

Polwarth

Lothian Rd

Viewforth

Gilmore

Park

Telfer

Subway

The Union Canal

towpath

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4.0 S u r f a c i n g

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Good surfacing is essential for easy and comfortable access along the canal. It should have

• A smooth surface

• Good rolling properties (for bikes, pushchairs, wheelchairs, rollators)

• Good drainage

The following 4 areas for surface improvement have been identifi ed according to the above mentioned criteria. They are the ones with most needed improvement.

DRAFT 13.05.14

1 Canal Basin to Lemington Bridge

Existing Situation:

• Uneven cobbled surface which is uncomfortable to cycle and walk on and is a hazard when wet

Proposals:

• Either a smooth surfaced strip though the cobbles or a new path adjacent to the existing cobbled path in the development site

DRAFT 13.05.14

2 Canal Basin to Lower Gilmore Place

Existing Situation:

• This section will become part of a proposed significant cycle link between the canal basin and the Meadows

• Uneven cobbled surface which is uncomfortable to cycle and walk on and is a hazard when wet

Proposals:

• Smooth surfaced strip through the cobbles

DRAFT 13.05.14

3 Path section infront of new development

Existing Situation:

• This section is situated in front of a plot which is currently derelict but will developed in future with mixed uses

• Number of users (students/pupils/teacher/staff/parents) will increase enormously with new development as well as the new school further along

Proposals:

• A separate cycle path parallel to towpath which would reduce pedestrian / cycle interaction conflicts

DRAFT 13.05.14

4 Viewforth Bridge to Gibson Terrace

Existing Situation:

• Towpath beside recently developed site, which opens up more space towards the new development

• Plot beside Viewforth will accomodate the new Boroughmuir High School (to be opened Sept 2016)

• Subsequently the number of users (students/pupils/teacher/staff/parents) will increase enormously

Proposals:

• Widening the towpath to allow a separate / segregated route

DRAFT 13.05.14

Slateford Station

Kingsknowe Station



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Kingsknowe

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Merchiston

Bruntsfield

Fountainbridge

Polwarth

Lothian Rd

Viewforth

Gilmore

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Telfer

Subway

The Union Canal

towpath

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Userconflictsbetweenpedestrians and cyclists along the towpath

Since the recent towpath improvements, including upgrading of access, surface and the installation of lighting, the towpath has seen an increased use by pedestrian and cyclists. At the same time cyclists numbers have increased in Edinburgh, which has led to more confl icts between cyclists and pedestrians due to the popularity of cycling.

With the towpath width of approx. 2m and even narrower width at bridges pedestrians and cyclists have to negotiate passing most of the time. Especially at ‘rush hour’ many cyclists use the towpath either way into and out of the town centre making it quite uncomfortable to walk along the path. The user confl ict increases moving closer to the canal basin.

4.0 U s e r c o n f l i c t s

Slateford Station

Kingsknowe Station



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Craiglockhart Ave

Wester H

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Calder Rd

WesterHailes

Longstone

Kingsknowe

Craiglockhart

Merchiston

Bruntsfield

Fountainbridge

Polwarth

Lothian Rd

Viewforth

Gilmore

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Telfer

Subway

The Union Canal

towpath

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5.1 S u p p l e m e n t a r y c y c l i n g r o u t e A

Supplementary route for cyclists to ease cycle use on towpath:On-road cycling along Gilmore Place / Polwarth Gardens / Polwarth Grove / Polwarth / Colinton Road

Supplementary cycle route for cyclists who wish to travel faster and are confidenttousetheroads

Currently there are no continuous cycle routes, advisory or mandatory, parallel to the towpath which could be used as alternative routes for cyclists who wish to travel faster and are confi dent to use the roads.

This route proposes to improve cycle provisions south of the Union Canal which gives a supplementary / alternative travel route from the Canal Basin / Bruntsfi eld to Slateford / Craiglockhart. The route also links into a proposed cycle route to the Meadows. Along the route several accesses are given to the towpath.

This proposed supplementary route should include:

• Segregated or mandatory cycle lanes along whole route as width of route allows

• The chosen option of segregated or mandatory cycle lanes should be as consistant as possible along the whole route

• No parking on cycle lanes at any given time

• Good signage to links to and from the Canal towpath

DRAFT 13.05.14


Gilmore Place

Existing Situation:

• Existing advisory cycle lanes on both side of road at beginning of Gilmore Place

• Existing advisory cycle lanes are worn and hardly readable

• Parking on cycle lanes makes it unattractive/difficult to cycle along road

• Medium traffic volume

Potentials:

• Advisory cycle lanes to be changed to mandatory or segregated cycle lanes

• Improvement of cycle lane surfacing required

• Enforcement of no parking on cycle lanes required

The following pages illustrate the existing condition of the proposed supplementary cycle route A, and also its potential to become safer and more desirable.

DRAFT 13.05.14


Polwarth Gardens / Granville Terrace

Existing Situation:

• Wide road

• No cycle lanes

• Parking allowed on road

Potentials:

• Wide enough road to install segregated or mandatory cycle lanes

DRAFT 13.05.14


Polwarth Grove / Polwarth

Existing Situation:

• Wide road

• No cycle lanes


Potentials:


DRAFT 13.05.14


Colinton RoadExisting Situation:

• Wide road

• No cycle lanes


• High volume of traffic

• Partly poor surfacing on side of road

Potentials:

• Preferrable option of segregated cycle lane


DRAFT 13.05.14


Access from Colinton Road to Towpath

Potentials:

• Upgrading traffic lights to Toucan crossing

• Enough space to widen path

Existing Situation:

• Traffic lights at Colinton Road

• No signage for turn off to towpath from Craiglockhart Road

• Path heavily used by pedestrians and too narrow for shared use and grass becomes very muddy in wet weather

Slateford Station

Kingsknowe Station



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Longstone Rd

Stenhouse Rd

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Gorgie

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Harrison Rd

Ashley Terr

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Polwarth

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Craiglockhart Ave

Wester H

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Calder Rd

WesterHailes

Longstone

Kingsknowe

Craiglockhart

Merchiston

Bruntsfield

Fountainbridge

Polwarth

Lothian Rd

Viewforth

Gilmore

Park

Telfer

Subway

The Union Canal

towpath

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5.2 S u p p l e m e n t a r y c y c l i n g r o u t e BSupplementary route for cyclists to ease cycle use on towpath:On-road cycling along Fountainbridge / Dundee Street / Angle Park Terrace / Slateford Road / Lanark Road

Supplementary cycle route for cyclists who wish to travel faster and are confidenttousetheroads

Currently there are no continuous cycle routes, advisory or mandatory, parallel to the towpath which could be used as alternative routes for cyclists who wish to travel faster and are confi dent to use the roads.

This route proposes to improve cycle provisions North of the Union Canal which gives a supplementary travel route from the Canal Basin / Fountainbridge to Lanark Road. The route is also signifi cant for links to the Old Town; Haymarket (via Dalry Road); to the Water of Leith at Slateford and Redhall and to Juniper Green / Curry / Balerno via Lanark Road. Along the route several accesses are given to the towpath.

This proposed supplementary route should include:

• Segregated or mandatory cycle lanes along whole route as width of route allows

• The chosen option of segregated or mandatory cycle lanes should be as consistant as possible along the whole route

• No parking on cycle lanes at any given time

• Good signage to links to and from the Canal towpath

DRAFT 13.05.14


Fountainbridge

Existing Situation:

• Heavily used section which will be increasingly so with the new school, student flats and other development

• Part of this section avoids the most congested towpath section and also links to the Canal Basin

• Existing advisory cycle lanes only at a short section of Fountainbridge

• Poor road surfacing especially on edge of road

• Restricted parking on cycle lane permitted

• High traffic volume

Potentials:

• Preferrable option of segregated cycle route


• photo

Beginning of Fountainbridge coming from Lothian Road

The following pages illustrate the existing condition of the proposed supplementary cycle route B, and also its potential to become safer and more desirable.

DRAFT 13.05.14


Dundee Street

Existing Situation:

• Heavily used section which will be increasingly so with the new school, student flats and other development

• This section avoids the most congested towpath section

• Vital link from Telfer Subway to the canal and South of Edinburgh

• Link to canal via Dundee Terrace and East Harrison Park

• No existing cycle lanes except for short section between Henderson Terrace and Western Approach Road

• Danger from fast-moving vehicles entering West Approach Road when cycling slowly uphill

• Poor road surfacing especially on edge of road


Potentials:

• Preferrable option of segregated cycle route

Between Henderson Terrace and Western Approch Road

DRAFT 13.05.14


Angle Park Terrace

Existing Situation:

• Existing cycle lane on one side when going into town


• Cycle lane surface worn


Potentials:

• Installation of segregated or mandatory cycle lanes


DRAFT 13.05.14


Slateford Road

Existing Situation:

• Existing cycle lane at one side of road when heading out of town - between Harrison Road and Hutchison Crossway

• Bus / cycle lane on one side of road when heading into town - between Harrison Road and Hutchison Crossway

• Bus / cycle lane on both side of road when heading into town - Hutchison Crossway and Chesser Avenue


• Surface of cycle lanes worn and patched up

• High volume traffic

Potentials:

• Most of the route has already advisory and or bus/cycle lanes installed

• Establishment of continuous cycle lanes through minor works possible

• Advisory lanes to be changed into mandatory cycle lanes

• Improvement of cycle lane surfacing required


Between Harrison Road and Shandon Place Between Robertson Avenue and Hutchison Crossway Between Hutchison Crossway and Chesser Avenue

Poor surfacing

DRAFT 13.05.14


Lanark Road

Existing Situation:

• Some sections of bus / cycle lanes on both side of road at beginning of Lanark Road

• Restricted parking on bus / cycle lane permitted

• Parking on road permitted

• Poor road surface


• 4 lane road with 40mph and on street parking


Beginning of Lanark Road

Potentials:



Documents

Proposal for Improvements & Supplementary Cycle · PDF fileDRAFT 13.05.14 Union Canal Towpath - Edinburgh Proposal for Improvements & Supplementary Cycle Routes March 2014 UrbanPioneers